240D Compressor Clutch Not Engaging
 

*FOUND THE SOLUTION!*

The Problem is: compressor clutch won't engage with a/c turned to max and fan on.

I have searched the existing threads. I've read up on the simple relay hack thread. I've used my voltmeter to test the condenser pressure switch pos and neg. Still stumped on my A/C problem.

So, my friend and I applied power to the compressor clutch using his portable battery. The clutch grabbed happily, and we recharged the system using Freeze 12 (knock on wood!). The air conditioning blows cold inside just after one can of Fr12. Apologize, do not have pressure readings but can obtain them if they are critical to solving the problem.

Here's relevant information regarding the problem:

-R4 Radial Compressor
-Manual Climate Control (Wheel-type AC switch)
-The compressor clutch is Known Good.
-No power at the compressor clutch plug.
-4-pin plug that the A/C wheel plugs into: one contact is hot, tested w voltmeter.
-Using Fr12 instead of R12.
-Cannot hear any leaks in the system.



Common points of failure? Senior member advice? Electrical diagram? Thanks in advance.

Sorry to threadjack...how did you jump the compressor? My pressure switch when bridged does nothing to jumpstart the compressor and I am having trouble getting the R12 into my system. It is just sitting in the can :dizzy:

Edit:
Something of use

FOUND THE PROBLEM!

To anyone following this thread, I found the source of my non engaging compressor.

The A/C wheel-type switch doesn't complete the circuit. In short, the switch is broken.

Anyone who wants the details, post and let me know, and I'll post them here.

Daniel

post your results anyway they will help some one down the road

what dianostics did you do to find that switch was bad ? ECT.

"Anyone who wants the details, post and let me know, and I'll post them here."

Now this is frustrating...

Something is up with my A/C wheel. It almost wants to go past "Max" to fully engage, and will do so if I hold the dial there with my fingers.

*Edit: here's the solution.

Remove the wheel, take it apart (easy and obvious) and clean the corrosion. Replace the grain bulb while you're at it.
Done.

240D AC Help
 

THANK YOU for the electrical diagram ! .

It's 106* F in Nevada and I' getting 60*F out the dash vents, I wish it was cooler but at least I'm not dying inside the car .